We love Christmas but there’s no denying that it’s a hectic time of year. If you’re feeling a bit frazzled by it all then we’ve got a handy checklist so you can be sure you’ll be having a well-earned drink on Christmas Eve instead of last-minute wrapping and food prep panic!
One month before
1. Choose, and decorate your tree
Gainsborough sofa | @gemmanicoleathome
Choosing the perfect tree and decorating is surely everyone’s favourite Christmas task. If you need some help with deciding which type of tree to go for, read our blog post on how to choose your Christmas tree, which is full of advice on the different types of trees. It’s a good idea to get your decorations out a few days before putting the tree up so you can see if any lights or baubles need replacing or whether you need to invest in a few more.
2. Work out your logistics
Shay bed | Shay bedside table | @greigehardinteriors_
Whether it’s for Christmas Day itself or the days and weeks in the run-up, now’s the time to agree on your schedule and organise any logistics. If long distance travel is a factor, you need to look into this as soon as possible and be mindful of contingencies for unexpected weather, school plays, parties or other disruptions. Confirm, and reconfirm where everybody needs to be – and when.
This is also a good time to start thinking about your guests. Has everyone RSVPd and are there any special circumstances that need looking into. Do you have the right furniture and bedding? Are there any issues with parking? The sooner you know, the more time you have to prepare.
3. Write your letters
While managing busy lives we often see Christmas communications as an extra hassle – but devoting some time to this festive task can turn it into one of the most rewarding and communal aspects of the season of goodwill. Kids love writing their annual letters to Santa and you can enjoy writing cards and emails to both close friends and those you rarely contact but would love to hear from you. If you have time you could even craft the cards yourself or with your children as a lovely activity to share as a family.
4. Plan your Christmas menu and start batch freezing
Parquet dining table | @thelightshesees
Whether this is the year you decide to try something a little different or you simply want to perfect last year’s feast, make that list and check it twice! Don’t forget to ask your guests about any dietary requirements or preferences and dislikes so you know everyone will be catered for.
Be sure to choose a menu that you can prepare a few days in advance. You don’t want to spend the whole day away from your guests, plus it’s fun to do the peeling and chopping as a family on Christmas Eve. Don’t forget to research some tasty leftover dishes to make after Christmas Day, should there be any, that is! It’s also a good time to make some gingerbread, mince pies and un-iced biscuits that will keep in the freezer if well wrapped.
Two weeks before
5. Prepare your home for guests
Parquet bed | @lattes_with_lou
Bed count? Check. Plenty of bedding and towels? Check. If you need extra seating, consider borrowing or investing in some benches or nests of tables, or opt for a sofa bed. Make sure there’s plenty of spare toiletries, blankets, pillows and extra lighting for spare rooms.
When it comes to Christmas treats, more is always best. Why not mix up the traditional drinks and nibbles that you’ll know they love with some new, unexpected delicacies? The worst that can happen is that they’ll want to head back to the old favourites – and as you’re very prepared, you’ll have an abundance of those anyway!
6. Start your wrapping
Unsplash | Erica Marsland Huynh
As with writing cards, put some time aside for present wrapping. Have a drink and treats to hand and this will become another festive highlight. As the big day nears, have a full-time wrapping station set up in a cosy corner. This may stop the clear tape going missing and minimise mess!
7. Prepare entertainment for the little ones
Evgeny Atamanenko | Shutterstock.com
There are so many options for kids’ entertainment at Christmas. As long as you consider the ages of the kids, create options for even the most unexpected weather conditions and don’t assume everyone is going to get along the whole time, then you should be fine. Ask the kids in advance what they would like to do, rather than assuming. Encourage them to make up games alongside the old favourites. Be prepared for some downtime by flagging a few appropriate film releases on your streaming service.
8. Add the cosy touches
St. Ives TV unit | @thedaviesnest
Cosy throws, flickering scented candles, string lights glinting around the window, mistletoe hung in the doorway and of course snacks… need we say more?
A few days before
9. Do your final checks
Have all the presents been wrapped? The food ready and waiting? Have you got all of the ingredients for your family’s recipe for mulled wine?
This is the time to go through all the prep and shopping lists that you have been working through in previous weeks and double check that nothing has been missed.
10. Set the table
Rushmere dining set | @from_the_dufayes
This is something kids often enjoy helping with and is a really nice thing to have done and dusted before the big day itself. It also means you and your family get to enjoy it in its full glory and make any last-minute adjustments.
11. Put the presents under the tree
St. Ives dining set | St. Ives dresser | @mrs_roobottom_home
If you have a nosy spouse or a curious child, you might want to leave this task until the very last minute. After all, you’ll want to keep your gifts a secret until Father Christmas arrives.
If this isn’t an issue then there is no reason why you can’t put the presents out early and admire all your handy work. So, there you have it. The ultimate Christmas checklist. We hope you have a very merry festive season and make sure to tag us on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland.
